Jason Kelce, the former center who has left his mark on the NFL, offered a bold perspective on Tom Brady‘s notorious ‘Deflategate’ scandal. Years after the event that saw the New England Patriots and Brady accused of deflating footballs during an important game, Kelce gives his blunt opinion on the matter.
While speaking on the New Heights episode this week, Kelce did not shy away from expressing his thoughts, even dubbing himself a cheater in the context of seeking competitive edges. He considers such strategies intrinsic to the game and an attribute of an astute player.
“I don’t even think Tom should’ve gotten in trouble for deflating footballs,” Kelce boldly stated, affirming his support for the idea and suggesting that Brady simply “outsmarted people.”
In a fervent query, Kelce challenged the importance placed on the football’s inflation level. “If you’re throwing it and catching it, who…cares?!” he argued, questioning the necessity of penalizing a team for something others could also do but didn’t think of.
His brother, Travis Kelce, intervened, alluding to the regulations in place.
“It’s a stupid rule,” Jason retorted, clarifying that he doesn’t see the point in a rule that doesn’t safeguard player health or isn’t exclusive to one team. To Jason, the rule negates the intelligence factor in the sport.
While Travis remained ambivalent, acknowledging the nuances of competition, Jason conceded that his view might be seen as lacking integrity by some, but to him, it was merely outsmarting the competition.
Next: Travis Kelce candidly discusses teammate Harrison Butker’s polarizing statements.
FAQ about Jason Kelce and ‘Deflategate’
- What is ‘Deflategate’?
- ‘Deflategate’ refers to a scandal involving the New England Patriots and their quarterback Tom Brady, who were accused of intentionally deflating footballs during the 2015 AFC Championship game to gain a competitive advantage.
- What was Jason Kelce’s opinion on ‘Deflategate’?
- Jason Kelce argued that deflating footballs should not have been a punishable offense and considered the rule against it to be unimportant in terms of game integrity and player safety. He believes that if both teams have the opportunity to do something that could be considered cheating, and one team does it smarter, it should not be a rule violation.
- Did Jason Kelce actually cheat in games?
- While Jason Kelce referred to himself as a cheater in the context of ‘Deflategate’, there is no official record of him being implicated in any cheating scandals. His statement seemed to serve as a provocative stance on the competitive nature of sports rather than a confession of actual cheating.
- What is the show ‘New Heights’?
- ‘New Heights’ is a podcast or show where Jason Kelce was speaking during the episode in question. It may feature discussions on sports-related topics, including the NFL and its players.
Conclusion
Jason Kelce’s comments on Tom Brady’s ‘Deflategate’ scandal bring an unconventional perspective into the public discourse surrounding NFL controversies. While his stance leans towards accepting certain forms of rule-bending as part of the competitive spirit of the game, it’s evident that opinions on such matters are deeply divided. Whether viewed as a calculated strategy or an integrity issue, ‘Deflategate’ continues to be a touchstone for debates on fair play and the complexities of enforcing regulations in professional sports.